A versatile system for the manipulation of dental appliances is described that includes a grasping assembly coupled to an actuating assembly. members of the grasping assembly are shaped to approximate contour of the dental appliance. An apical seating member is disposed upon the grasping assembly to facilitate the application of seating pressure. The grasping assembly may be removably or permanently coupled to the actuating assembly. Portions of the actuating assembly, the grasping assembly, or both the actuating and grasping assemblies may be shaped to facilitate distal, mesial, or both distal and mesial manipulation of the dental appliance.
|
19. A dental instrument, adapted to facilitate distal, mesial, or both distal and mesial manipulation of a dental appliance, comprising:
a grasping assembly, having a grasping surface shaped to approximate curvature of the dental appliance, and having an apical seating member disposed along an upper edge of the grasping surface; and an actuating assembly, operatively coupled to the grasping assembly.
1. A dental instrument comprising:
an actuating assembly; and a grasping assembly, coupled to the actuating assembly, having a grasping surface, substantially the entire area of which is adapted to conform to the curvature of a dental appliance; wherein a member of the actuating assembly or the grasping assembly is adapted for performing manipulation of the dental appliance along the distal, mesial, or both distal and mesial surfaces of a tooth.
20. A matrix band placement apparatus, adapted to facilitate distal, mesial, or both distal and mesial matrix band manipulation, comprising:
a first grasping member, having a first surface shaped to approximate curvature of a matrix band, having an apical seating member disposed along an upper edge of the first surface; a second grasping member, having a first surface shaped to approximate curvature of a matrix band and shaped to cooperatively engage with the first surface of the first grasping member; and a compound actuating assembly, operatively coupled to the first and second grasping members, adapted to cooperatively engage the first and second grasping members, having a locking assembly disposed and adapted to secure engagement of the first and second grasping members.
2. The instrument of
3. The instrument of
4. The instrument of
7. The instrument of
8. The instrument of
9. The instrument of
10. The instrument of
11. The instrument of
12. The instrument of
13. The instrument of
14. The instrument of
15. The instrument of
16. The instrument of
18. The instrument of
|
The invention relates generally to dentistry tools and, more specifically, to a versatile and ergonomic system for manipulation of dental appliances.
Dentistry, particularly restorative dentistry, is a demanding craft--requiring a skillful blend of structural engineering and aesthetics. Dentists must artfully construct and shape what are often very complicated restorative structures while working within the confined space of a patient's mouth. Further complicating this already challenging task are safety and sanitary requirements, ergonomic problems, and concerns about patient comfort. At its best, such work might be considered tedious. At its worst, such work might be considered nearly impossible.
As a result, a number of devices and methodologies have been developed to aid dentists in performing routine procedures. Specialized handpieces, powered tools, shielding and grasping devices are continually developed to assist in nearly every aspect of routine dentistry. Often times, however, the development of one aid may simplify a particular aspect of a procedure while complicating other aspects of the same procedure. Furthermore, there are a number of routine procedures, for which no specialized tools exist, that require dentists to utilize existing devices in an unintended fashion. Thus, restorative dentistry often relies on both specialization and improvisation.
Consider, for example, the tools and procedures involved in filling interproximal cavities. Depending upon the location and size of the filling needed, a dentist may have a very difficult time forming a filling of proper structural integrity that provides a desired aesthetic appearance and proper interproximal contact. A relatively popular method of interproximal filling relies on the use of matrix bands.
Matrix bands are small appliances that serve, essentially, as a form for interproximal fillings (especially bonded fillings) when some portion of the external tooth structure is missing or has been removed. The bands are used to restore the tooth structure to its natural contour, without having to dispose excessive bonding material to the area surrounding the filling. Matrix bands are generally formed of aluminum or some other similar semi-rigid material, and typically come in a number of sizes to match tooth and filling sizes. The bands usually have some degree of concavity, in addition to multiple degrees of curvature, to match the often asymmetrical, quasi-spherical contour of a tooth. After proper placement and seating, the matrix bands are usually held in place by some sort of matrix retainer (e.g., wedge, bi-tine ring).
Thus, once a matrix band is in place, the filling procedure is significantly simplified. The proper placement and seating of a matrix band is, however, no trivial task. It is, in fact, a task that appears to be widely recognized as difficult and involved--and one for which conventional apparatus and methods are not properly adapted.
Conventionally, matrix bands have been placed using only the dentist's fingers, or placed by simple tweezers, straight pliers, or even cotton pliers. These conventional methods share a number of common problems and challenges, and each individual method presents its own unique problems and concerns.
One primary concern is maintaining the integrity of the matrix band itself. Until properly placed, the band is highly susceptible to bending and crimping. This can lead to unacceptable deformities in the band, requiring removal and placement of a new band, or acceptance of a structurally or aesthetically inferior filling.
Even the most nimble of dentists, with the daintiest of fingers, may have difficulty working within the limited space of a patient's mouth to properly place a matrix band without deforming the band. The location of the required filling can further complicate the procedure. The further posterior the required filling is (e.g., between molars), or if the filling is on the mesial surface of a tooth, the more difficult it is to manually place the small, flexible matrix bands. Furthermore, placement by finger may be much more difficult for dentists with larger hands.
Conventional placement methods typically require a great deal of manipulation at ergonomically awkward angles for a dentist. That ergonomically improper manipulation might, over time, lead to degenerative neuromuscular problems. Furthermore, if there is strong interproximal contact between the teeth, the dentist must either ply the teeth apart, such that the instrument used to ply the teeth apart does not impede the placement of the band, or break interproximal contact, in order to place the band without deforming it. Breaking interproximal contact may require removal of an excessive (i.e., unacceptable) amount of tooth structure, however, especially where only a small filling is required.
Although some conventional methods of matrix band placement utilize conventional, general-purpose instruments (e.g., conventional tweezers and pliers)--thereby reducing some of the problems associated with working in the confined space of a patient's mouth--extensive instrument manipulations, ergonomic challenges, and increased potential for damage to the band remain problematic. Using such conventional instruments may still be difficult for posterior placements. Furthermore, such general-purpose instruments are typically unsuitable for firmly grasping and manipulating the curved matrix bands without deformation. Most such instruments have flat, planar grasping surfaces that can bend or damage a matrix band. The grasping surfaces themselves are generally not arcuate in nature, and thus will not tightly grasp a significant cross section of a matrix band without deformation. Finally, most such conventional instruments are not curved or angled to provide reliable matrix band disposition in both distal and mesial orientations. Thus, placement with such conventional instruments is often tedious, time-consuming, and not possible with existing instruments.
Thus, a system that provides easy and reliable placement and removal of specially contoured dental appliances, such as matrix bands, in an ergonomically proper manner, readily usable for both distal and mesial manipulations, is now needed. This system should provide dentists with a tool that simplifies restorative procedures without deforming or damaging the appliances being placed. The system should thus provide relief from problems associated with conventional methods and apparatus.
Comprehending this, the present invention provides a versatile system for the efficient manipulation of specially contoured dental appliances, especially matrix bands. The present invention provides a shaped grasping member assembly for grasping the dental appliance. The grasping members may be angled or curved in either a convex or concave orientation, such that their angulation or curvature closely approximates the contour of the appliance(s) to be placed, and such that the angulation or curvature may be employed to facilitate manipulations in distal, mesial, or both mesial and distal orientations. The member, or members, on one side of the assembly may include an apical seat disposed along an upper edge, to secure the appliance in place and assist in applying seating pressure to the appliance.
The present invention also provides an actuating assembly, to which the grasping member assembly may be permanently or temporarily attached, such that the attachment may further facilitate placements in distal, mesial, or both mesial and distal orientations.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, including its features and advantages, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the following drawing figures. Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated:
It should be apparent to those of skill in the art, upon reference to this disclosure, that the system and teachings of the present invention are applicable to a number of dental appliances. For purposes of explanation and illustration, however, the present invention is hereafter described in reference to the handling and placement of matrix bands for use in an interproximal filling. The principles and teachings disclosed herein, however, are applicable to a wide range of dental instruments and appliances.
The present invention defines a system, comprising various structures and methods, for placing and removing matrix bands without excessive manipulation and without deforming or damaging the bands. The present invention provides a grasping member assembly, shaped in either a convex or concave orientation, to closely approximate the curvature of the matrix bands and to facilitate placement in distal, mesial, or both orientations. Certain grasping members include an apical seat disposed along an upper edge, and the grasping member assembly may be permanently or temporarily attached to a number of actuating assemblies.
The present invention is now described in greater detail with reference now to
Member 102 further comprises an apical seating member 112, usually disposed along the upper perimeter of surface 106. Alternatively, member 112 may be disposed further down along surface 106, or adjustably disposed along surface 106, in order to, for example, facilitate grasping matrix bands of various sizes. Generally, however, member 112 will be disposed somewhere near the top of member 102. An upper edge of a matrix band is seated against member 112, to provide stabilization during placement (or removal) and to provide a bearing point for the application of force when placing the band. As depicted in
Members 102 and 104 further comprise attachment members 118 and 120, respectively, disposed along the upper portions thereof. Depending upon the desired actuating assembly to which members 102 and 104 will be coupled, and upon whether such coupling is intended to be permanent or temporary (i.e., removable), members 118 and 120 may be implemented in a number of ways. For example, if attachment is intended to be removable, members 118 and 120 may comprise a snap-lock or screw-on mechanism. If attachment is intended to be permanent, members 118 and 120 may comprise welds, or some or similar adjoinment, to an actuating member. Alternatively, members 102 and 104 may be formed as a contiguous, integral part of an actuating assembly, such that members 118 and 120 comprise only a transition area indistinguishable from surrounding structure.
Referring now to
Furthermore, depending upon the desired actuating assembly and the relative sizes, members 102 and 104 may comprise multiple lateral attachment members 122 and 124, respectively, in addition to or instead of members 118 and 120. Members 122 and 124 are disposed or formed so as to provide greater lateral stability across the breadth of members 102 and 104, if those members comprise a single piece. If members 102 and 104 themselves comprise multiple sub-members, then members 122 and 124 may provide individual attachment for each of the sub-members.
As illustrated in
Another embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to
Referring now to
As illustrated in
Although assemblies 100 and 200 have been depicted and described as comprising multiple members, other embodiments thereof may comprise only a single member. For example, it is possible that only member 102 of assembly 100 may be disposed upon some simple actuating member (e.g., a handpiece). While such an embodiment would still provide advantages over conventional methods and apparatus, it would not provide the dentist with the same ability to secure (i.e., by grasping) a matrix band for manipulation and proper placement as the multiple member embodiments do.
With the exception of the single member embodiment above, the grasping member assemblies 100 and 200 of the present invention should be coupled to, or formed as part of, some compound actuating assembly. According to the present invention, a compound actuating assembly may comprise either a bifurcated assembly (e.g., tweezers, forceps, pliers), or a stylus assembly (e.g., specialized handpiece, pneumatic drill piece), adapted to meet the requirements of the present invention. Although an almost limitless range of actuating assembly implementations are possible, the present invention requires that an actuating assembly be of a profile and length that allows adequate access to all teeth for the grasping assembly without requiring excessive manipulation by the dentist. The actuating assembly should provide sufficient pressure between the members of the grasping assembly to securely hold a matrix band. Preferably, the actuating assembly should provide the dentist with the ability to selectively adjust the grasping pressure applied.
Referring now to
The other end of assembly 300 is actuating end 316. At end 316, members 302 and 304 terminate in actuating portions 318 and 320, respectively. Members of a grasping assembly may couple to, or be formed as part of, the open ends of portions 318 and 320. Portions 318 and 320 are angled or curved with respect to members 302 and 304 to provide an attached grasping assembly proper access to either distal or mesial surfaces, or both. The angles or curvatures of portions 318 and 320 are matched and aligned to provide proper closure and alignment of grasping assembly members. The curvature or angling of portions 318 and 320 enables a dentist to place a matrix band in the desired location without manipulating the entire actuating assembly to some extreme angle within a patient's mouth. Depending on whether the coupling of grasping assembly members to portions 318 and 320 is permanent or temporary, and on whether assembly 300 is intended to be used for only mesial, only distal, or both mesial and distal orientations, portions 318 and 320 may be formed with a specific or a general curvature or angling.
In one embodiment, for example, separate tools for mesial and distal orientations might be desired. Thus, two actuating assemblies are formed. Each may have grasping assemblies permanently attached thereto. The tool intended for use in mesial orientations would comprise actuating portions having a greater degree of curvature or angling than the actuating portions of the tool intended for distal orientations. Alternatively, a single tool for use in either orientation may be desired. Such a tool might have actuating portions of a generalized curvature or angle, and might rely on temporary attachment of, for example, grasping assembly 100 for mesial orientation and grasping assembly 200 for distal orientation. In still another alternative embodiment, a tool may comprise actuating portions of adjustable or deformable curvature or angling, allowing a dentist to select his own orientation based on the procedure to be completed.
Finally, hinge 306 may be disposed along members 302 and 304 in a position generally biased toward end 316. This renders members 302 and 304 as relatively long lever arms, requiring minimal application of force and minimal separation of members 302 and 304 at end 312 to provide sufficient actuation of portions 318 and 320.
Referring now to
As depicted, assembly 400 comprises a specialized tweezer-style assembly--one that brings actuating portions 410 and 412, and grasping assembly members coupled thereto, together at rest. Assembly 400 comprises a fulcrum member 414 disposed between members 402 and 404. Member 414 is disposed is a position biased towards end 408, and portions 410 and 412 are formed, such that grasping assembly members coupled to portions 410 and 412 are brought together and engaged (i.e., clamped) with maximum force when assembly 400 is not actuated. Assembly 400 is actuated by applying pressure to areas 416 along members 402 and 404, between fulcrum 414 and end 406--separating portions 410 and 412 and releasing the grasp of the grasping assembly.
Optionally, members 402 and 404 may have some devices disposed thereon, proximal to end 406, to provide grasping assistance (e.g., scored surfaces, rubber pads). Furthermore, assembly 400 may optionally comprise a locking assembly (not depicted) to, at a minimum, secure the resting closure of assembly 400. The locking assembly may comprise a latch, a hasp, a spring apparatus, or any other contrivance that provides the desired locking characteristic.
At end 408, the grasping assembly members may couple to, or be formed as part of, the open ends of portions 410 and 412. Portions 410 and 412 are angled or curved with respect to members 402 and 404 to provide an attached grasping assembly proper access to either distal or mesial surfaces, or both. The angles or curvatures of portions 410 and 412 are matched and aligned to provide proper closure and alignment of grasping assembly members. Again, the curvature or angling of portions 410 and 412 enables a dentist to place a matrix band in the desired location without manipulating the entire actuating assembly to some extreme angle within a patient's mouth. Depending on whether the coupling of grasping assembly members to portions 410 and 412 is permanent or temporary, and on whether assembly 400 is intended to be used for only mesial, only distal, or both mesial and distal orientations, portions 410 and 412 may be formed with a specific or a general curvature or angling.
In one embodiment, for example, separate tools for mesial and distal orientations might be desired. Thus, two actuating assemblies are formed. Each may have grasping assemblies permanently attached thereto. The tool intended for use in mesial orientations would comprise actuating portions having a greater degree of curvature or angling than the actuating portions of the tool intended for distal orientations. Alternatively, a single tool for use in either orientation may be desired. Such a tool might have actuating portions of a generalized curvature or angle, and might rely on temporary attachment of, for example, grasping assembly 100 for mesial orientation and grasping assembly 200 for distal orientation. In still another alternative embodiment, a tool may comprise actuating portions of adjustable or deformable curvature or angling, allowing a dentist to select his own orientation based on the procedure to be completed.
Referring now to
As depicted, end 506 of assembly 500 comprises a conventional tweezer-style assembly--one that requires the application of closing pressure 514 somewhere along members 502 and 504 in order to bring actuating portions 510 and 512, and grasping assembly members coupled thereto, together. Thus, grasping assembly members coupled to portions 510 and 512 are brought together and engaged (i.e., clamped) with increasing force as the pressure 514 applied to assembly 500 is increased. Removing pressure 514 from assembly 500 separates portions 510 and 512 and releases the grasp of the grasping assembly. Optionally, members 502 and 504 may have some devices disposed thereon, proximal to end 506, to provide grasping assistance (e.g., scored surfaces, rubber pads).
Furthermore, assembly 500 may optionally comprise a locking assembly 516 to, at a minimum, secure closure of assembly 500 and, further optionally, to provide a progressive locking pressure. As depicted in
At end 508, the grasping assembly members may be coupled to, or formed as part of, the open ends of portions 510 and 512. Portions 510 and 512 are angled or curved with respect to members 502 and 504 to provide an attached grasping assembly proper access to either distal or mesial surfaces, or both. The angles or curvatures of portions 510 and 512 are matched and aligned to provide proper closure and alignment of grasping assembly members. Again, the curvature or angling of portions 510 and 512 enables a dentist to place a matrix band in the desired location without manipulating the entire actuating assembly to some extreme angle within a patient's mouth. Depending on whether the coupling of grasping assembly members to portions 510 and 512 is permanent or temporary, and on whether assembly 500 is intended to be used for only mesial, only distal, or both mesial and distal orientations, portions 510 and 512 may be formed with a specific or a general curvature or angling.
In one embodiment, for example, separate tools for mesial and distal orientations might be desired. Thus, two actuating assemblies are formed. Each may have grasping assemblies permanently attached thereto. The tool intended for use in mesial orientations would comprise actuating portions having a greater degree of curvature or angling than the actuating portions of the tool intended for distal orientations. Alternatively, a single tool for use in either orientation may be desired. Such a tool might have actuating portions of a generalized curvature or angle, and rely on temporary attachment of, for example, grasping assembly 100 for mesial orientation and grasping assembly 200 for distal orientation. In still another alternative embodiment, a tool may comprise actuating portions of adjustable or deformable curvature or angling, allowing a dentist to select his own orientation based on the procedure to be completed.
Referring now to
As depicted, assembly 600 comprises a specialized scissor-style assembly--one that brings actuating portions 612 and 614, and grasping assembly members coupled thereto, together at rest. Assembly 600 is configured, and portions 612 and 614 are formed, such that grasping assembly members coupled to portions 612 and 614 are brought together and engaged (i.e., clamped) with maximum force when assembly 600 is not actuated. Assembly 600 is actuated by applying pressure to areas 616 along members 602 and 604, between hinge 610 and end 606--separating portions 612 and 614 and releasing the grasp of the grasping assembly.
Optionally, members 602 and 604 may have some devices disposed thereon, proximal to end 606, to provide grasping assistance (e.g., scored surfaces, rubber pads). Furthermore, assembly 600 may optionally comprise a locking assembly (not depicted) to, at a minimum, secure the resting closure of assembly 600. The locking assembly may comprise a latch, a hasp, a spring apparatus, or any other contrivance that provides the desired locking characteristic.
At end 608, the grasping assembly members may couple to, or be formed as part of, the open ends of portions 612 and 614. Portions 612 and 614 are angled or curved with respect to members 602 and 604 to provide an attached grasping assembly proper access to either distal or mesial surfaces, or both. The angles or curvatures of portions 612 and 614 are matched and aligned to provide proper closure and alignment of grasping assembly members. Again, the curvature or angling of portions 612 and 614 enables a dentist to place a matrix band in the desired location without manipulating the entire actuating assembly to some extreme angle within a patient's mouth. Depending on whether the coupling of grasping assembly members to portions 612 and 614 is permanent or temporary, and on whether assembly 600 is intended to be used for only mesial, only distal, or both mesial and distal orientations, portions 612 and 614 may be formed with a specific or a general curvature or angling.
In one embodiment, for example, separate tools for mesial and distal orientations might be desired. Thus, two actuating assemblies are formed. Each may have grasping assemblies permanently attached thereto. The tool intended for use in mesial orientations would comprise actuating portions having a greater degree of curvature or angling than the actuating portions of the tool intended for distal orientations. Alternatively, a single tool for use in either orientation may be desired. Such a tool might have actuating portions of a generalized curvature or angle, and might rely on temporary attachment of, for example, grasping assembly 100 for mesial orientation and grasping assembly 200 for distal orientation. In still another alternative embodiment, a tool may comprise actuating portions of adjustable or deformable curvature or angling, allowing a dentist to select his own orientation based on the procedure to be completed.
As an alternative to the bifurcated assemblies described above, the compound actuating assembly of the present invention may be implemented in a variety of stylus-type embodiments. Referring now to
Member 704 is coupled to member 702 close to actuating end 712 of assembly 700. At end 712, member 702 terminates in actuating portion 714. Members of a grasping assembly may be coupled to, or formed as part of, the open ends of member 704 and portion 714.
As depicted, activation of mechanism 710 will cause member 704 to rotate about hinge 708, bringing actuating portion 714 and member 704, and grasping assembly members coupled thereto, together. Thus, grasping assembly members coupled to portion 714 and member 704 are brought together and engaged (i.e., clamped) with increasing force as the force applied by mechanism 710 is increased. Mechanism 710 may comprise a simple, finger-activated, mechanical trigger assembly, an electromechanical solenoid, a pneumatically activated solenoid, or any other similar contrivance enabling a dentist to apply a fixed or progressive range of closing pressures to member 704. Removing or reversing the closing pressure applied to member 704 will separate member 704 from portion 714, releasing the grasp of the grasping assembly. Assembly 700 may, optionally, comprise a locking apparatus or assembly of the types previously described, such that mechanism 710, member 704, or both may be locked into a desired position.
At end 712, grasping assembly members may couple to, or be formed as part of, the open ends of portion 714 and member 704. Portion 714 and member 704 are angled or curved with respect to member 702 to provide an attached grasping assembly proper access to either distal or mesial surfaces, or both. The angles or curvatures of portion 714 and member 704 are matched and aligned to provide proper closure and alignment of grasping assembly members. Again, the curvature or angling of portion 714 and member 704 enables a dentist to place a matrix band in the desired location without manipulating the entire actuating assembly to some extreme angle within a patient's mouth. Depending on whether the coupling of grasping assembly members to portion 714 and member 704 is permanent or temporary, and on whether assembly 700 is intended to be used for only mesial, only distal, or both mesial and distal orientations, portion 714 and member 704 may be formed with a specific or a general curvature or angling.
In one embodiment, for example, separate tools for mesial and distal orientations might be desired. Thus, two actuating assemblies are formed. Each may have grasping assemblies permanently attached thereto. The tool intended for use in mesial orientations would comprise portion 714 and member 704 having a greater degree of curvature or angling than portion 714 and member 704 of the tool intended for distal orientations. Alternatively, a single tool for use in either orientation may be desired. Such a tool might have portion 714 and member 704 of a generalized curvature or angle, and might rely on temporary attachment of, for example, grasping assembly 100 for mesial orientation and grasping assembly 200 for distal orientation. In still another alternative embodiment, a tool may comprise portion 714 and member 704 of adjustable or deformable curvature or angling, allowing a dentist to select his own orientation based on the procedure to be completed.
Referring now to
In addition or alternatively to serving as a conduit, member 806 may serve as a pivot, about which member 804 may be rotated or otherwise translated, with respect to member 802, to provide an attached grasping assembly proper access to either distal or mesial surfaces, or both. This is illustrated in
For all embodiments, selection of materials for formation of the assemblies will depend on a number of factors. In all cases, materials selected must be durable enough to withstand the pressures (e.g., grasping, closing, pulling) applied throughout the system during a procedure. Furthermore, the materials utilized should be malleable enough to be formed into the desired shapes and orientations. If an embodiment requires a deformable member, the material used to form that member should be flexible enough to provide the desired deformation while remaining durable enough to withstand the pressures applied. If an assembly or a sub-portion thereof is intended to be of a disposable, one-use nature, then a reliable but inexpensive material (e.g., plastic) may be used in production. If an assembly or a member is intended to be of a re-usable nature, then a durable material (e.g., stainless steel), capable of withstanding repeated sterilization procedures, should be used in production.
While the invention has been described in reference to illustrative embodiments, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
7306461, | Feb 06 2003 | New York University | Carrier and seating instrument for dental devices |
8979531, | Aug 19 2010 | Dental Care Innovation GmbH | Double-arched tweezers for dental operations |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
1518021, | |||
2698483, | |||
3713222, | |||
4197647, | Nov 11 1976 | Dental pliers | |
5195889, | Dec 19 1990 | Hawe-Neos Dental Dr. H. Von Weissenfluh SA | Device for the reconstruction of an angular zone of a tooth |
5839896, | Mar 19 1998 | DENTSPLY International Inc | Dental post extractor apparatus |
6095815, | Dec 08 1998 | Dr. Jean Bausch KG | Pair of forceps for applying of an articulating film to teeth in dentistry |
6142781, | Apr 22 1998 | Ultradent Products, Inc. | Dental instruments for use with dental wedges |
6322363, | Apr 28 1999 | Dental pliers | |
6431864, | Mar 09 2001 | Dental tool | |
20020106609, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
May 28 2002 | Dryer Pliers, Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Mar 19 2003 | DRYER, JEFFREY | DRYER PLIERS INCORPORATED | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 014471 | /0902 | |
Oct 31 2011 | DRYER PLIERS, INC | DRYER, JEFFREY D | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 034731 | /0394 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Sep 10 2007 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
Mar 02 2008 | EXPX: Patent Reinstated After Maintenance Fee Payment Confirmed. |
Jan 12 2009 | M1558: Surcharge, Petition to Accept Pymt After Exp, Unintentional. |
Jan 12 2009 | M2551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Yr, Small Entity. |
Jan 12 2009 | PMFP: Petition Related to Maintenance Fees Filed. |
Feb 25 2009 | PMFG: Petition Related to Maintenance Fees Granted. |
Jun 22 2011 | M2552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Yr, Small Entity. |
Aug 25 2015 | STOM: Pat Hldr Claims Micro Ent Stat. |
Aug 31 2015 | M3553: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 12th Year, Micro Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Mar 02 2007 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Sep 02 2007 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 02 2008 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Mar 02 2010 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Mar 02 2011 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Sep 02 2011 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 02 2012 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Mar 02 2014 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Mar 02 2015 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Sep 02 2015 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 02 2016 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Mar 02 2018 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |